The Delegation of the European Union and the EU Missions, represented in T&T, recently held a consultation with local civil society organisations that defend human rights, also known as Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The EU, which considers human rights around the world as one of its main priorities, held the consultation to gauge the organisations concerns and chart a way forward, for support.
EU involvement with human rights defenders is expressed in the context of its external relations policy and the Lisbon Treaty which mandates that, "in its relations with the wider world, the union shall uphold and promote its values...and contribute to the protection of human rights."The EU's support is also built upon the 1999 United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which states that everyone has a right to the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels.
Human Rights Defenders are individuals or groups in any society that promote and protect universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms. During the meeting, Human Rights Defenders presented their key issues and exchanged views with the representatives of the EU Missions. While overall, the human rights record of T&T is satisfactory, there are some critical issues that continue to warrant attention-chief among them continues to be the high levels of crime and violence in the country.
Other critical issues include protection of the rights of women and children, combating discrimination in the workplace and poverty reduction.In speaking about the meeting and the work of the HRDs, Stelios Christopoulos, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago stated: "Defending human rights all across the world is a key focus of EU policy and as such the EU has been committed to liaise and share information with those individuals and NGO's across the country who ensure the defence of the fundamental rights and freedoms.
EU assistance to HRDs is made possible through its Development Assistance Programme. In 2010 the EU support included:
–Workshops for NGO advocacy including strengthening the capacity of HRDs.
–Seminar on the abolition of capital punishment.
–Seminars on domestic and child abuse aiming to strengthen the capacity of teachers who interact daily with abused children;
–Workshops on activities intended to strengthened public policy on gender equality.
–Group discussions with women who have been indirect victims of armed violence (UN Security Council Resolution 1325).
–Workshops on know-how and skills relevant to the efficient and effective investigation of complaints that relate to unlawful discrimination and violations of human rights.
–Annual drawing competition on gender equality amongst children.
The European Union is committed to continue its proactive policy of supporting and protecting the work of human rights defenders all over the world, through financial support and raising public awareness.